[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 152 (Monday, December 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO RAYMON AYALA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 2000

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a unique and 
outstanding American, Norteno artist and five-time Grammy Award nominee 
Raymon Ayala, who is one of the most popular artists in regional 
Mexican music today. He celebrates his birthday today, and I ask the 
House of Representatives to join me in offering him our good wishes.
  Ayala, who began his exemplary career at the age of 18, has been one 
of the great entertainers of his generation. His skill at the Mexican 
``canjunto'' music (music with an accordion base) is unparalleled in 
the industry. His steady rise and his continuous output of inclusive 
music has made him a favorite of fans throughout the Southwest and in 
Mexico.
  In the 30 years that Raymon Ayala has graced the charts, he has 
recorded over 75 albums, never straying from his canjunto roots.
  Ayala's success has turned on precisely the same elements that ensure 
the success of any musician in the industry: a straightforward style, 
balanced music, and lyrics with universally understood themes. His 
music touches on tragedy, loneliness, broken relationships, and 
experiencing love in all its complicated nuances . . . the sort of 
music that appeals to all music lovers, regardless of their favorite 
format.
  Raymon has taken great care to ensure that the material on his albums 
reflects the excellence that has been his lifelong trademark. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing this talented patriot a happy 
birthday.




                          ____________________